The Commissionerate police on Friday urged the citizens of Bhubaneswar to abide by the night curfew guidelines, which would be in force from 9 pm to 5 pm.
City DCP Umashankar Dash said, “We appeal to people other than those engaged in emergency services to close their business establishments, shops by 8 pm so that they reach their respective homes before implementation of the night curfew restrictions,” said Dash.Dash further said stringent action would be taken against the violators during enforcement of the curfew. “We will deploy police force at 25 points in different parts of the city. After a review, the deployment will be enhanced or rearranged as per the situation,” he added.
Meanwhile, BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary urged people not to indulge in panic buying and stockpiling of essential items. He assured that there would be no scarcity of resources and essential commodities in the markets.
The appeal came following reports of people rushing to markets on Thursday night soon after the Government announced night curfew across the State’s urban areas.
“I assure that there will be no shortage of essential items such as milk, edibles and medicines in the city. Therefore, citizens should not indulge in panic buying of these items and overcrowd marketplaces,” stated Chaudhary in a video message.
BMC officials said all essential services would continue as usual and people can opt for online shopping and avail home delivery of items instead of going to markets for daily shopping in order to avoid crowding.
“Please do not believe any rumours and hoax messages on social media and personal messaging platforms regarding complete shutdown or market closures,” Chaudhary added.